XIAP-associated factor 1 (XAF1)

XIAP-associated factor 1 (XAF1) is a protein encoded by the XAF1 gene on human chromosome 17p13.1[2][3][5]. XAF1 functions as a negative regulator of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein family, specifically antagonizing XIAP, the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, and thus promoting apoptosis by counteracting XIAP's inhibition of caspases (such as caspase-3, -7, -9)[2][3][4][5]. XAF1 acts as a tumor suppressor, and its expression is downregulated in various cancers; restoration of XAF1 expression increases sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli and inhibits tumor cell migration, invasion, and vasculogenic mimicry[1][3]. XAF1 is thus implicated in the regulation of apoptosis, vasculature formation in tumors, and potentially in the control of autophagy during cellular stress and virus infection[1]. Downregulation of XAF1 is associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to apoptosis in malignancies such as ovarian, colorectal, stomach, liver, prostate, bladder, and lung cancers[1][3]. No approved drugs directly target XAF1, but it remains of interest as a candidate therapeutic target for restoring apoptotic signaling in cancer cells.

Other names

BIRC4BPHSXIAPAF1XIAPAF1XAF1

Inhibits the anti-apoptotic activity of XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein) by binding to it, thereby facilitating apoptosis in cells by promoting caspase activation[1][2][3][4][5]